Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the spring constant of a scanning probe microscope cantilever mechanically coupled to a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) actuator may be determined in-situ using a frequency resonance method.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the spring constant of a scanning probe microscope cantilever mechanically coupled to a MEMs actuator may be determined in-situ using a displacement method.

Abstract: An optical module includes an active optical component, an optical fiber, a beam shaping optical component and a positioning device. The optical fiber is arranged with respect to the active optical component to be capable of propagating light along an optical path between the active optical component and the optical fiber. The beam shaping optical component is located in the optical path between the optical fiber and the active optical component. The positioning device is for moving either the beam shaping optical component with respect to the optical fiber, the beam shaping optical component with respect to the active optical component, or the active optical component with respect to the optical fiber, or a combination.

Abstract: A position sensor for use in connection with a movable system having a pair of objects that are configured to move relative to one another along an axis through an operative range of motion. The position sensor includes a first plate secured to one of the objects and a pair of second plates secured to the other of the objects. The second plates are adjacent each other and coplanar. The first plate and second plates are configured so that the second plates are spaced from and parallel to the first plate as the objects move relative to one another along the axis. The first plate and second plates are configured so that they form two variable, spaced-plate capacitors having capacitances that vary as the objects move relative to one another within the operative range along the axis. The position sensor is configured to use the capacitances to generate output usable to determine relative position of the objects along the axis.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a valve which is controlled by a magnetic actuator. More specifically, the actuator is a polarized, magnetic actuator, that is, a magnetic actuator containing both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The actuator can be an inexpensive commercial relay having a pivoting armature that pushes a compliant diaphragm against a valve seat to close the valve. Preferably, the armature is configured as a “see-saw,” such that as the valve is opened, an opposing end of the see-saw also displaces the diaphragm. In this manner, fluid pressure in a valve chamber is relatively constant, and there are no significant pressures which prevent the valve from opening and closing. The preferred application of the valve is to actively drive printer ink supply, such that ink can be selectively drawn using the valve from a remote ink supply into a local ink reservoir, mounted near a print head.

Abstract: Methods for dicing water stacks are provided. Preferably, the method includes the steps of: (1) providing a wafer stack having a first wafer and a second wafer; (2) exposing a portion of the first wafer by removing a portion of the second wafer; and (3) dicing the exposed portion of the first wafer such that a first die assembly is at least partially separated from the wafer stack. Wafer stacks and die assemblies also are provided.

Abstract: An alignment assembly for an optics module includes an alignment stage that is enabled to provide an adjustment of the relative positioning of a light beam and a lens, but also includes a locking mechanism which disables the movement of the alignment stage following a one-time alignment procedure. The locking mechanism may include one or more heaters and meltable material which is heated during the one-time alignment procedure and cooled when the target relative position between the beam and the lens is achieved.

Abstract: Methods for dicing wafer stacks are provided. Preferably, the method includes the steps of: (1) providing a wafer stack having a first wafer and a second wafer; (2) exposing a portion of the first wafer by removing a portion of the second wafer; and (3) dicing the exposed portion of the first wafer such that a first die assembly is at least partially separated from the wafer stack. Wafer stacks and die assemblies also are provided.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system includes a first wafer, a second wafer including a moveable portion, and a third wafer. The movable portion is movable between the first wafer and the third wafer. The first wafer, the second wafer, and the third wafer are bonded together.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a valve which is controlled by a magnetic actuator. More specifically, the actuator is a polarized, magnetic actuator, that is, a magnetic actuator containing both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The actuator can be an inexpensive commercial relay having a pivoting armature that pushes a compliant diaphragm against a valve seat to close the valve. Preferably, the armature is configured as a “see-saw,” such that as the valve is opened, an opposing end of the see-saw also displaces the diaphragm. In this manner, fluid pressure in a valve chamber is relatively constant, and there are no significant pressures which prevent the valve from opening and closing. The preferred application of the valve is to actively drive printer ink supply, such that ink can be selectively drawn using the valve from a remote ink supply into a local ink reservoir, mounted near a print head.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a printer pen having a pressure regulation system and a mechanism for purging air from the pen using the pressure regulation system. More specifically, a pressure sensor and a permanent magnet actuator open and close an internal valve to selectively pressurize a local ink container with ink to achieve a precise pen back pressure, which may be specific for each pen in order to maximize print quality. The pen also has a blow-off vent and internal conduits which channel trapped air upward, toward the vent. When too much air is detected within the ink container (based on transient response as sensed by the pressure sensor), the pen is moved near an external tab at or near a service station, such that the tab physically opens the blow-off vent. The internal valve is also opened to permit the pen to pressurize (ink is normally at below-atmospheric pressure) and thereby expel air through the blow-off vent.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a valve which is controlled by a magnetic actuator. More specifically, the actuator is a polarized, magnetic actuator, that is, a magnetic actuator containing both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The actuator can be an inexpensive commercial relay having a pivoting armature that pushes a compliant diaphragm against a valve seat to close the valve. Preferably, the armature is configured as a “see-saw,” such that as the valve is opened, an opposing end of the see-saw also displaces the diaphragm. In this manner, fluid pressure in a valve chamber is relatively constant, and there are no significant pressures which prevent the valve from opening and closing. The preferred application of the valve is to actively drive printer ink supply, such that ink can be selectively drawn using the valve from a remote ink supply into a local ink reservoir, mounted near a print head.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a printer pen having a pressure regulation system and a mechanism for purging air from the pen using the pressure regulation system. More specifically, a pressure sensor and a permanent magnet actuator open and close an internal valve to selectively pressurize a local ink container with ink to achieve a precise pen back pressure, which may be specific for each pen in order to maximize print quality. The pen also has a blow-off vent and internal conduits which channel trapped air upward, toward the vent. When too much air is detected within the ink container (based on transient response as sensed by the pressure sensor), the pen is moved near an external tab at or near a service station, such that the tab physically opens the blow-off vent. The internal valve is also opened to permit the pen to pressurize (ink is normally at below-atmospheric pressure) and thereby expel air through the blow-off vent.

Abstract: Using a micro-electromechanical actuator, tuning stubs may be actuated for tuning cavities in photonic crystal lattice structures. An actuated tuning stub can be used to tune cavities in both two and three dimensional photonic crystal lattice structures.

Abstract: An optical port with directional control. The port includes a transmitter, receiver, and first actuator. The transmitter generates an outgoing light signal that propagates in a transmission direction in response to an outgoing electrical signal. The receiver receives an incoming light signal and generating an incoming electrical signal therefrom, the receiver having a reception direction aligned with the transmission direction. The first actuator alters the transmission direction of the outgoing light signal in response to a first control signal. In one embodiment, the first actuator determines the direction of the outgoing light signal in a first plane, and a second actuator controls the direction of the outgoing light signal by an amount determined by a second control signal. The second actuator controls the direction of the outgoing light signal in a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: Using a micro-electromechanical actuator, tuning stubs may be actuated for tuning cavities in photonic crystal lattice structures.

Abstract: The optical switch comprises an input collimator, an output collimator, an input mirror, an output mirror and a converging optical element. The input collimator receives, collimates and outputs an input light beam. The input mirror is arranged to receive the light beam from the input collimator. The output mirror is arranged to receive the light beam reflected by the input mirror and reflects the light beam into the output collimator. The converging optical element is located to receive the light beam reflected by the input mirror and reflects the light beam onto the output mirror. An imaging element may be located between either or both of the input collimator and the output collimator and a respective one of the input mirror and the output mirror.

Abstract: The flexural device-based suspension suspends a movable element with high compliance in a direction of travel and low compliance in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel. The suspension comprises two flexural devices and a constraining element. The two flexural devices are connected to the movable element. Each of the flexural devices includes an elongate floating beam disposed substantially parallel to the direction of travel. The constraining element is for constraining relative motion of the floating beams in the direction of travel and for allowing the floating beams to move freely relative to one another in the orthogonal direction.

Abstract: The pivot-less Watt linkage supports a first rigid element relative to a second rigid element and permits relative motion between the rigid elements. The pivot-less Watt linkage comprises an elongate, rigid, floating beam, an elongate first flexible beam, an elongate second flexible beam and a flexible member. The first flexible beam extends in a first direction from a first point on the floating beam to the first rigid element. The second flexible beam extends in a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction, from a second point on the floating beam to the first rigid element. The second point is spatially separated from the first point along the length of the floating beam. The flexible member extends in the first direction from a third point on the floating beam to the second rigid element. The third point is intermediate between the first point and the second point.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet print head with a substrate defining an ink aperture. A number of ink energizing elements are located on the major surface of the substrate. A barrier layer is connected to the upper surface, and peripherally encloses an ink manifold. The barrier encompasses the ink aperture. An orifice plate is connected to the barrier layer, spaced apart from the substrate's major surface, enclosing the ink manifold. The plate defines a number of orifices, each associated with a respective ink energizing element. The ink manifold is an elongated chamber having opposed ends defined by end wall portions of the barrier layer. The barrier end wall portions each have an intermediate end wall portion protruding into the manifold.